Profiles of near-bottom currents using an inclinometer array

A vertical array of inclinometers was used to obtain a time series of near-bottom current profiles at a deep-ocean site near Bermuda. The inclinometers sensed a two-dimensional orientation in the slightly buoyant rope connecting the inclinometers. From the distortion of the rope, the current profile was calculated. The measurements recorded by the inclinometers were compared with simultaneous measurements made by conventional rotor and vane current meters. Generally good agreement was observed between the two systems. Typically the profiles obtained for the lower 200 m of the water column showed an increase in current speed with depth. The maximum values immediately above the bottom were of the order of 10 cm per second.